James A. Beers

James Beers, a longtime Staten Islander, died on October 15, 2022 at the age of 84. James was born in the Clason Point section of the Bronx and grew up in Tottenville where his parents (John and Emily) moved when he was a young boy. A graduate of St. Peter's Boys H.S. , Pace University (B.A) and Trenton State College (M.A), James was a true scholar, always eager to learn more about history and particularly enjoyed reading Presidential biographies. After a long career as a home instructor with the NYC Board of Education, James spent his retirement volunteering. He taught special education CCD, visited hospitals, became a lay member of the Secular Institute, and served on his condominium board. After the death of his longtime partner Leo Stoeckl (1988), James became instrumental in the Courage ministries, attending conferences and writing a history of the organization (Courage: A Ministry of Hope; Dog Ear Publishing, 2018). Lifelong hobbies included collecting coins, stamps and campaign buttons. James was a Mets fan from the team's start and avidly followed politics since his days as a member of the Young Republican Club at College. James Beers is predeceased by his siblings Marguerite Moog (William), Loretta Treval (Robert), and John Beers (Helen). He is survived by 17 nieces and nephews, 21 great nieces and nephews and his many brothers and sisters in courage.